P0625: Generator Field/F Terminal Circuit Low
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Yes with care - the battery may not be charging fully.
Symptoms
- Low charging voltage
- Battery warning light
- Slow cranking after short trips
Likely causes, most common first
- Field terminal circuit shorted to ground
- Damaged wiring between computer and alternator
- Failed alternator regulator
- Connector corrosion
Read P0625 yourself before paying for diagnosis
A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.
What is going on and how it gets diagnosed
P0625 is a low-voltage fault on the alternator field terminal. Alternators live in the hottest, dirtiest part of the engine bay, low down and behind the belt, so their connectors take a great deal of punishment.
A point worth remembering when this code appears with a flat battery: a battery that has been deeply discharged often will not recover, and fitting a new alternator to a ruined battery leaves the owner with the same symptoms. Testing the battery properly after the charging fault is repaired avoids a second visit.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0625?
Yes with care - the battery may not be charging fully.
How much does it cost to fix P0625?
Typical US repair costs range from $60 for the simplest fix (wiring repair) to $1,100 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Related codes
The codes closest to P0625. They often appear together, and telling them apart is usually what narrows the diagnosis.
Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.